Kenya Barris To Write & Direct WB’s Reimagining Of ‘The Wizard Of Oz’

One of the most significant and celebrated accomplishments in cinematic history is getting the reboot treatment over at Warner Bros. As first reported by Deadline, WB is greenlighting a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz with black-ish creator Kenya Barris firmly at the helm.

Per the initial report, Barris will write and direct the feature. Moreover, Barris will also serve as the film’s executive producer viz his Khalabo Ink Society production banner. However, while the story is as famous as famous gets, sources close to the story claim Barris is keeping his thoughts and ideas for the project under wraps for the time being.

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Based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s fantasy novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the original Wizard of Oz was primarily directed by Victor Fleming before leaving the production to take over Gone with the Wind. The film features an all-star ensemble including Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, and Margaret Hamilton. The story follows teenager Dorothy Gale who magically goes from living on a Kansas farm to the mystical land of Oz. Along the way, she meets Munchkins, witches, a cowardly lion, a tin-man, and a scarecrow as they travel to have their wishes granted by the powerful Oz.

Kenya Barris is best known as the creator of the ABC sitcom black-ish, as well as its spinoffs grown-ish and mixed-ish. Since then, that filmmaker inked a deal with Netflix and produced, and starred in one season of the show #blackAF. The multihyphenate also recently penned the screenplays for hit films like Coming 2 America and Cheaper by the Dozen. Up next, Barris will make his directorial debut with the Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy-starring movie You People.

What do you think? Is Kenya Barris the best choice for the Wizard of Oz reboot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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